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Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: May 17, 2019

If you are shopping for life insurance with high blood pressure, you may be concerned about qualifying for affordable life insurance rates. No need to worry, with some companies you may still qualify for low rates!

Dozens of companies will overlook preventative blood pressure medications, and some life insurance providers have more lenient blood pressure guidelines than others.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about purchasing life insurance with high blood pressure. We’ve also included some general life insurance guidelines for blood pressure and sample rates to give you an idea of how much your policy will cost.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the result of blood flowing through your blood vessels with too much force. This is a very common condition that affects almost half of the American adult population, but many cases are undiagnosed. Doctors recommend getting your blood pressure checked regularly because hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, or a stroke.

Thankfully, there are lots of blood pressure medications with little or no side effects that can be used to control your condition. If you are not taking a medication, applying with the right company will make a big difference in your rates because every insurers sets their own guidelines. In the next section we’ve outlined the different ranges of elevated blood pressure.

What are the Different Ranges of Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is defined by two measurements: systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic indicates the blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic indicates the blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Both are measured in the SI unit mm Hg, but are usually explained as two set of numbers.

Normal: Systolic is less than 120, and diastolic is less than 80. (120 over 79 or less)

Elevated: Systolic is between 120-129, and diastolic is less than 80. (120-129 over 79 or less)

High Blood Pressure Stage 1: Systolic is between 130-139, or diastolic is between 80-89. (130-139 over 80-89)

High Blood Pressure Stage 2: Systolic is 140 or higher, or diastolic is 90 or higher. (140+ over 90+)

Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic is higher than 180, and/or diastolic is higher than 120 (if you fall in this range, consult with your doctor immediately)

What Types of Medication are Available?

Thinking about taking medication to help lower your blood pressure, but not sure what options are available? We’ve got you covered. Blood pressure medications, or antihypertensives, can be prescribed to help lower your blood pressure. There are quite a few classes of antihypertensives, which include:

Diuretics

Beta blockers

ACE inhibitors

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Alpha blockers

Central agonists

Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors

Vasodilators

Diuretics: Also known as “water pills”, this class of HBP medication increases urination, which in turn reduces sodium and fluid in the body. By doing so, this lowers blood volume, which can help lower blood pressure. Potassium levels may decrease while taking diuretics, so it is recommended to consume a potassium-rich diet alongside the medication.

While they can be used alone for mild hypertension, diuretics are often paired with other medication for more severe cases. These are not recommended for those allergic to sulfa drugs, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Older people may also want to work closely with a doctor while taking them, as they tend to endure more side effects such as fainting and dizziness from dehydration.

Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers, or beta-adrenergic blocking agents, take more of a straight-shooter approach by acting directly on the heart. They block the effects of epinephrine, a hormone also known as adrenaline. As a result, blood volume, heart rate and pumping force all decrease. Beta-blockers also block your kidneys from producing a hormone called angiotensin II; this decrease allows the blood vessels to widen, making it easier for blood to flow through. All these decreases in the body work to achieve one thing: lower blood pressure.

These are not recommended for those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bradycardia (a heart rhythm problem), or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

ACE Inhibitors: Like beta-blockers, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors block the production of the chemical angiotensin II, increasing the space in your blood vessels.

In addition to narrowing your blood vessels, angiotensin II is responsible for triggering a hormone that makes your body retain water. The more fluid there is in your body in a restricted space, the higher your blood pressure will be. So, by decreasing fluid and widening the blood vessels, ACE inhibitors work to lower the body’s blood pressure. They are not recommended for those over the age of 55, those of African Caribbean origin, or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): These HBP medications are akin to beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, as they also block the function of the hormone angiotensin II, thus widening the blood vessels and reducing fluid within the vessels. They also increase the release of sodium and water into the urine, which decreases blood pressure as well.

They are often taken with diuretics to obtain maximal effects, and are a good alternative for those who can’t take ACE inhibitor medicines. ARBs are also a good choice for people who have heart problems, type II diabetes, or kidney disease. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this medication.

They can be prescribed in short-acting and long-acting forms, depending on your case. It is cautioned to not take CCBs alongside grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it is known to affect the normal excretion of the medicine.

Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers work by preventing the hormone adrenaline from tightening the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which allows the vessels to remain relaxed and open, lowering blood pressure. Like calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers are also available in short-acting or long-acting forms.

This medication is not recommended for those with a history of heart failure, decreased liver or kidney function, Parkinson’s disease, or women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Central Agonists: Also known as central adrenergic inhibitors or central-acting agents, this class of medication stops your brain from sending signals to your nervous system to speed up your heart rate and narrow your blood vessels, in turn, decreasing your blood pressure. Since central agonists can potentially cause strong side effects, they are not used as frequently as the other classes.

Vasodilators: While not usually the first choice of medicine, vasodilators can be helpful if other first-line medications have not been successful. They open up (dilate) the blood vessels to allow more space and decrease blood pressure. Vasodilators are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Will Life Insurance Companies Look at High Blood Pressure?

Every company has different premiums for someone with high blood pressure. Most will have low-cost options, depending on other factors. For example, if you are taking medicine to lower your blood pressure, some companies will overlook the condition and still give you a low rate.

In fact, an applicant who is taking medicine that puts their blood pressure in the normal range is much more likely to be approved for a company’s “preferred best” rate than an applicant who is not taking medicine and has elevated blood pressure. This is because having high blood pressure for an extended period of time puts the applicant at risk for other issues, such as heart disease or a stroke. Life insurance companies are most concerned that the applicant is taking the proper precautions to keep their blood pressure under control.

Some factors that life insurance companies look at:

How long you have had high blood pressure

How well the condition is being controlled

If any medications being taken to control it

The history of your blood pressure readings (especially the last 3-5)

If any other medical conditions are present

If you consume/consumed tobacco

Family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke

How Can I Best Prepare for My Life Insurance Application?

Getting a medical exam can be nerve-wracking, we know! Luckily, we have some tips and tricks to ensure that the exam goes smoothly. During the exam, doctors will look at things such as your height and weight, current blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and the presence of certain medications for nicotine use. With that information, here are some tips to make sure you are fully prepared for your exam:

A few days before: Eat as healthy as possible. This includes drinking lots of water, eating leafy green salads, opting for lean proteins (such as grilled chicken or fish), foods high in HDL cholesterol (such as avocados, lentils, almonds) – aka the “good cholesterol” – staying away from processed foods and fast food, and limiting caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.

24 hours before: Follow the same regimen and keep drinking lots of water, avoid strenuous exercise that raises your blood pressure, and cut out all alcohol. You want to schedule your exam in the morning if possible. This allows you to fast overnight, which is important.

The morning of your exam: You’re almost there! Make sure not to consume any caffeine or breakfast (until after the exam), do not smoke cigarettes or use any other tobacco, refrain from exercise, and have a glass of water about an hour before so your body is properly hydrated.

Other helpful tips: Visit your doctor as often as recommended, follow their advice in terms of medication and treatment, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, and make sure your medical records are updated frequently! These guidelines will make it much more likely for you to get the best rates possible.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for My Life Insurance?

The most accurate answer will come from speaking with an agent directly, since every person’s medical information and history is different. To get a quote, we have a tool right on our website that will help give you an idea of the cost. In terms of the different health classes, there are a few different categories:

Preferred Plus: This is considered to be the best category, and for those whose blood pressure is 140/85 or lower. You are deemed to be in perfect health, with no health issues or family history of cancer or other diseases. When patients are older, slightly higher numbers may be acceptable. Only about 5% of people qualify for this class.

Preferred: This is considered to be the second best category. You are in excellent health, with a few minor health issues that may be treated with medication (such as controlled cholesterol). You are within the healthy height and weight guideline requirements, and you may have a family history of cancer or other diseases.

Regular Plus: In this category, you are thought to be in better than average health, but may have minor health issues. You may be slightly over the height and weight guideline requirements, but you also have no family history of cancer or other diseases.

Regular: Even though this is the bottom of the life insurance health classes, it is actually considered to be the most common category. For this class, you identify as someone of average health and take multiple medications. You do not meet your height and weight guideline requirements, and you have a family history of cancer or other diseases.

Life Insurance Quotes for a Male Non-Smoker – $500,000, 10-Year Level Term

Age

Preferred Plus (BP = 140/85)

Preferred (BP = 140/90)

Regular Plus (BP = 152/92)

Regular (BP = 156/94)

50

$41.71

$54.40

$62.71

$85.57

55

$70.07

$83.81

$97.31

$133.90

60

$112.66

$130.50

$160.03

$204.11

65

$197.17

$243.00

$301.91

$353.50

70

$339.57

$421.08

$514.24

$573.06

*Displayed monthly quotes are from “A” rated life insurance company and they are accurate as of 12/2017

Life Insurance Quotes for a Female Non-Smoker – $500,000, 10-Year Level Term

Age

Preferred Plus (BP = 140/85)

Preferred (BP = 146/90)

Regular Plus (BP = 152/92)

Regular (BP = 156/94)

50

$34.17

$44.12

$57.10

$65.44

55

$51.63

$63.20

$80.91

$93.65

60

$75.26

$93.85

$114.61

$135.36

65

$123.20

$147.71

$179.49

$211.49

70

$200.28

$242.20

$303.18

$357.68

*Displayed monthly quotes are from “A” rated life insurance company and they are accurate as of 12/2017

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

In the same way that your blood pressure became elevated, you can lower it again and get to a healthy range. Unsure of how to lower it? Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks!

Will I Ever Be Eligible for Lower Rates?

Maybe you’re not totally happy with your life insurance rates, even if they were the best options available with the elevation in your blood pressure. Well guess what? After 12 months, most life insurance companies have what is referred to as a “reconsideration request”, where you can apply and possibly receive lower rates if your blood pressure has stayed consistently lower. Even better news, we do most of the work for you!

Calling an Agent: The first step is to call your independent agent and explain the situation; we’ll take it from there. We will then approach the life insurance company and propose reconsideration on your behalf; let them know that you have maintained lower blood pressure (while showing documentation), as well as any additional action you have taken to live a healthy lifestyle.

Working with the Underwriter: After speaking with the life insurance company, their underwriter will review the information we provided. If they deem that you qualify for new rates, your rate class will increase, and your premiums will decrease in cost. Bada-bing, bada-boom. Done.

Applying with Other Companies: Say your current life insurance company denies your request for lower rates. It’s unfortunate, but it can happen. In that case, your independent agent will speak with other companies, and try to find you the best premium with your lower blood pressure levels.

Even if you do not qualify for lower life insurance rates, at least you tried! Keep up with the healthy lifestyle, and soon enough you’ll be eligible for lower premiums.

What This All Means

The good news is, even with high blood pressure, you can still qualify for coverage. While it may be a little bit more challenging, if you follow the steps listed above and speak with one of our licensed agents, we can work to get you the lowest rates possible and match you with a company that best fits your health profile. Here at Term Life Advice, we work with over 60 companies, and have collectively helped thousands of people with their life insurance needs. Give us a toll-free call today: 855-902-6494.

You can also request a free instant quote online by filling out the form below, and compare quotes from dozens of life insurance companies. Our agents do not have sales quotas, they’re just genuine people who want to help!

Compare Rates from 50 Top-Rated Companies

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One Response to “Life Insurance with High Blood Pressure: Everything You Need to Know”

Excellent coverage on the subject of getting life insurance with high blood pressure. It is crazy that nearly 50% of all American are applying for life insurance with high blood pressure! As mentioned, getting great rates for life insurance with hypertension is normally not a problem assuming it is well controlled with medications.

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By clicking "Display Quotes", and submitting an online insurance quote request, you are providing JRC Insurance Group with your prior express and written consent to call you at the cell phone number or residential phone number provided. Final rates are based on eligibility. You can also reach us toll-free at 855-247-9555.

Every life insurance company has “underwriting niches” with certain health and lifestyle risk factors. They also set and charge rates based on their own claims experience history. Some life insurance companies are more lenient with diabetics, or applicants age 60 and above, while other companies offer competitive rates only to those who are young and healthy. For example, some companies will not insure a diabetic above age 65, whereas other insurers will. If you are in excellent health, have some health issues, or considered “high-risk”, we can help. We specialize in finding the most affordable life insurance for anyone between the ages of 30-80, regardless of health. By having access to so many top-rated carriers, we can usually find the best life insurance company for your needs.